Latest news with #conscious
New Indian Express
5 hours ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
We will continue to grow faster than the competition: ixigo's Aloke Bajpai
The domestic tourism industry has faced significant shifts in recent weeks, particularly after the unfortunate terror attack in Kashmir, which disrupted travel momentum in the region. In an interaction with TNIE's Arshad Khan, Aloke Bajpai, co-founder and Group CEO of ixigo, shares insights on how the incident impacted bookings, evolving traveller preferences and how ixigo's unique growth strategy that allows them to grow faster than peers. Additionally, Bajpai weighs in on rising hotel prices and this season's hottest travel trends. Edited Excerpts: How has the domestic tourism industry changed in the last one month (since the unfortunate attack in Kashmir)? The Pahalgam terror attacks happened at a time when Jammu and Kashmir was seeing a 70% YoY growth in bookings for us in the month of April. The attacks marked a significant blow to the state's tourism momentum and the region's security environment. At ixigo, our first priority was to ensure the safety and well-being of our travellers. The temporary shutdown of 32 airports resulted in a marginal disruption to flight services, with cancellations affecting 5-8% of the total scheduled flights between May 7 and May 12. While there wasn't much impact on the trains business, our bus business actually saw some increase in demand during this time and hence we did not see much impact at an overall level. What has been the impact of Pakistan airspace closure, and a call for boycott against Turkey and Azerbaijan? Traveller sentiment toward these two countries has clearly shifted, and it's showing up in this summer's booking trends. Internationally, bookings & searches to Japan, Korea, Spain, Paris, Italy, and Singapore are up 20–25% year-on-year, reflecting a growing appetite for global travel. Interestingly, Japan and Korea weren't major blips on the radar last summer, but this year they've emerged as trending hotspots—signaling a clear shift in traveller preferences and a growing appetite for culturally rich, long-haul experiences. ixigo is everywhere - from trains, flights and busses to hotels. What is driving ixigo's growth and where does future growth opportunity lie? If you look at our business strategy, we made a conscious decision to focus on what we call the Next Billion Users. In India, trains are by far the most dominant mode of transport. While flights cater to just about 4–4.5% of the population, trains carry around 22 million passengers daily. That's why we didn't follow the typical Western OTA model, which puts flights at the core and builds hotels and other services around them. In India, that model doesn't scale the same way. Instead, we've flipped the template and built around the dominant travel behavior of Indian users—ground transportation first, everything else layered on top. Thanks to this strategy, we've been consistently growing faster than the market. In Q3 alone, we grew our gross transaction value (GTV) by 48%, clocking over ₹4,000 crores in ticket sales. Flights, in fact, were our fastest-growing vertical, with a 73% GTV growth. In the train travel segment, we're already the largest OTA, holding over 58% market share as of Q3. While our train business continues to grow—27% YoY in Q3 alone—the larger growth opportunity for us now lies in flights, buses, and hotels. Compared to our competitors, our growth velocity is significantly higher—nearly 3x in some cases—allowing us to steadily gain market share in these categories as well. Why are high-spending tourists increasingly choosing international destinations over domestic ones? Many travelers have raised concerns about steep hotel rates and high airfare prices in India—how do you view this trend? This trend is primarily visible at the premium end of the market. When we look at five-star properties, there's a clear supply crunch. Some individual cities in Asia—like Bangkok, Shanghai, or Singapore—have more five-star hotel inventory than all of India combined. As a result, occupancy rates remain exceptionally high—often in the high 80s to 90% range—which is quite remarkable. Giving an example of Goa, travellers who once booked four- or five-star hotels there are now comparing those prices with similar or better experiences in Thailand or Vietnam, where they can access high-quality properties at more reasonable rates—say, ₹10,000 per night instead of ₹20,000. So while the upper segment is seeing some deflection due to higher costs and global competition, the core audience—budget travellers spending between ₹4,000 to ₹8,000 per night—continue to flock to Goa. Where are Indians travelling this season? What are the airfare trends this year? We've seen exceptional growth—anywhere between 60% to 180%—in key leisure sectors like Kullu-Manali and Dehradun. Early trends are encouraging—we're hopeful this summer will outperform last year. In 2023, fares jumped sharply—around 15% YoY—because of grounded aircraft and GoAir exiting the market. This year, capacity constraints are easing. IndiGo has brought back many of its grounded planes, and overall availability is improving. If fares remain stable and capacity continues to rise, we should see strong load factors and potentially a very successful summer season. Among international destinations, we are seeing good traction for destinations like Singapore, Maldives, Vietnam, Bali, and Thailand. Maldives, in fact, is seeing a revival, likely aided by the recent improvement in diplomatic relations. Vietnam has truly taken off. It is clearly resonating with Indian travellers. It seems India is going big on spiritual tourism, especially during the Maha Kumbh period. What sort of growth have you seen here? Oh, it's insane. I mean, if I look at Varanasi, Gaya, Shirdi, Haridwar, Puri, Ayodhya, Katra, I can say we are seeing 66% YoY growth on average. If you look at the numbers, Varanasi now receives 4–5 times the footfalls of Goa annually. And what's interesting is that a large portion of this demand is coming from Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns—even from cities as far south as Coimbatore. We're seeing strong interest in what has become a popular spiritual travel circuit that includes Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Prayagraj. The Maha Kumbh has helped reshape this into a broader spiritual triangle that's gaining momentum.
Sharjah 24
3 days ago
- Business
- Sharjah 24
AUS BoT drives growth through appointments, academic advancements
After the meeting, Sheikha Bodour said: 'Excellence in education is achieved through conscious investment in people, planning, and principled governance. The Board's decisions reflect a commitment to building an institution that is academically distinguished yet operationally resilient. We are strengthening our leadership, supporting faculty development, and refining our governance frameworks to ensure AUS remains responsive to today's demands as a leading force in shaping higher education in our region and beyond.' Vision 'The decisions taken during this board meeting reflect the strength of our vision and the clarity with which AUS is charting its path forward,' said Dr. Tod A. Laursen, Chancellor of AUS. 'With strengthened leadership, defined academic priorities and disciplined financial planning, we are positioning the university to lead with purpose in a rapidly evolving higher education landscape.' Key outcomes Among the key outcomes, the board approved the appointment of Dr. Matthias Ruth as Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost. Dr. Ruth is an academic leader with a distinguished track record in interdisciplinary research and institutional strategy, having held senior roles at the University of York, the University of Alberta and Northeastern University. Initiatives The board also advanced several initiatives to support faculty excellence, including the approval of a new round of rolling contracts and a new round of academic promotions. These measures reflect AUS' continued focus on attracting and retaining outstanding faculty while fostering a culture of academic distinction. An updated Human Resources Policy Manual was also adopted to align institutional practices with international standards in higher education administration. Finance In the area of financial governance, the board approved the university's fiscal year 2025–2026 general operating budget, along with dedicated budgets for research, graduate studies and capital projects. It also endorsed the standalone financial statements of AUS Enterprises—a holding company established to support the university's financial sustainability—for the 15-month period ending August 31, 2024. New members To further strengthen its governance structure, the board welcomed three new members: Dr. Ebtesam Almazrouei, Dr. Tony F. Chan and Mohamed Khadiri. Dr. Almazrouei serves as Executive Director and Acting Chief AI Researcher at the Technology Innovation Institute in Abu Dhabi and chairs the United Nations' AI for Good Impact Initiative. Dr. Chan recently concluded his presidency at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia and previously served as President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Khadiri is the Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Sharjah, with deep expertise in global corporate and investment banking. With these decisions, AUS reaffirms its position as a regional and global leader in higher education—committed to academic distinction, community impact and preparing graduates to shape the future.
News18
7 days ago
- Health
- News18
From Cola to Culture: The Shift from Sugary Sodas to Fizzy Tea Alternatives
Last Updated: Fizzy tea is fast replacing soda as the drink of choice for a health-conscious, culture-savvy generation. In India's rapidly evolving beverage market, a quiet revolution is fizzing to the surface—one that swaps out sugary sodas for elevated, health-conscious tea-based alternatives. From sparkling teas crafted like fine wines to fizzy probiotic brews rooted in tradition, a new wave of brands is redefining what it means to sip, savour, and celebrate. The Sparkle of Sophistication 'There's a growing appetite for sophisticated, wellness-driven beverages that align with mindful lifestyles," says Siddhaarth Jalan, Co-Founder, Bebida Hospitality Private Limited, the brand bringing Copenhagen Sparkling Tea to Indian consumers. 'Sparkling tea is poised to become a mainstay in the premium non-alcoholic segment here." The brand's teas offers three distinct blends—LYSERØD, LYSEGRØN, and BLÅ—each made from a blend of 11–13 organic teas, designed to mimic the complexity of fine wine. With elegant packaging and zero alcohol, they're ideal for both celebrations and everyday indulgence. 'Our teas deliver the elegance of champagne without the guilt," Jalan explains, pointing out that their calorie and sugar content is far lower than traditional sodas or even mocktails like the virgin mojito. For instance, LYSERØD contains just 3g of sugar and 12 kcal per 150ml serving, a stark contrast to the 16g and 60 kcal found in most fizzy colas. More than a drink, the brand presents a lifestyle choice—one that celebrates conscious indulgence and universal appeal. 'It's the one drink you can serve to a 10-year-old or an 80-year-old at the same party," adds Jalan. While sparkling tea plays to the luxury palate, kombucha—a fermented, probiotic-rich tea—is making waves for its gut health benefits and artisanal flair. At the forefront of India's kombucha culture is Sbooch, founded by Nirraj Manek, who insists on one distinction: 'Kombucha is not soda—it's a living, naturally fizzy tea." The result is a refreshing alternative that doesn't compromise on taste or tradition. 'Choosing better doesn't mean sacrificing flavour—it means rediscovering it," says Manek. 'Each bottle is clean, honest, and full of heritage." Wellness in Every Sip The third front in the fizzy tea movement is wellness-led iced tea, and The Infused Kettle is leading the charge. Founded by Shalini Sinha, the brand marries the elegance of small-batch Darjeeling and Assam teas with time-tested Ayurvedic botanicals like giloy, turmeric, amla, and ginger. 'Consumers today want real benefits, not empty calories," she says. 'There's a demand for authenticity, transparency, and efficacy." According to Sinha, the shift away from high-sugar sodas isn't a passing health trend—it's a systemic redefinition of how we hydrate. 'We're seeing consumers gravitate towards teas that serve as functional tonics," she notes. 'Drinks that balance blood sugar, aid digestion, and support daily self-care." As iced tea climbs the popularity charts globally—ranking third in a U.S. survey of top beverages—it's clear that flavour alone isn't enough. 'Forward-looking brands must adopt clinical evidence and transparent sourcing," Sinha asserts. 'Only those who deliver efficacy with ethics will thrive in the beverage market of tomorrow." Tea, But Make It Modern Whether it's the celebratory clink of sparkling tea, the probiotic punch of kombucha, or the healing notes of Ayurvedic infusions, fizzy tea alternatives are not just replacing soda—they're rewriting the rules of refreshment. In the age of wellness, tea has become more than a comfort ritual. It's a symbol of taste, transparency, and transformation. First Published: May 26, 2025, 18:34 IST
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Mario Kart World was 'saved' by Switch 2 console, Nintendo officials claim
Nintendo claims that the upcoming Switch 2 console was crucial in "saving" the development of Mario Kart World. The company's officials have noted that the title, which was previously planned to launch on the original Switch, faced significant technical challenges on the older hardware. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The game, featuring a 24-player concept, also began development more than five years ago exclusively for the original Nintendo Switch. However, Nintendo's development team reportedly struggled to make the game's ambitious multiplayer vision work on the ageing hardware without making substantial technological compromises. In 2020, when developers working on Mario Kart World reportedly gained a rough understanding of the Switch 2's technical specifications. This led to discussions about delaying the project to launch on Nintendo's next-generation machine. During a recent "Ask the Developer" interview (as seen by IGN), Nintendo's Mario Kart World team stated they initially approached the concept of incorporating open-world gameplay and 24-player multiplayer "from a calm and collected programming perspective" to assess its feasibility. However, the team quickly determined it would not be possible on the existing hardware. What Mario Kart World team said about delaying the launch of the game Mario Kart World programming director Kenta Sato said: 'It was difficult for us to incorporate everything we wanted, so we were always conscious of what we were giving up in return. We discussed things like toning down the visuals, lowering the resolution, and we even considered dropping the framerate to 30 fps in some cases. It was a tough situation.' Despite their confidence in the concept, the Mario Kart World team kept pushing to make it work, but producer Kosuke Yabuki said they felt they were 'kicking the can down the road.' Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 'We knew it was going to get messy. But as we'd decided to release Mario Kart 8 Deluxe 's Booster Course Pass, we thought that would give us a bit more time to continue development. That's when the conversation of moving it to the Nintendo Switch 2 system came up, and this suddenly opened up a bunch of possibilities on what we could do. It was truly a ray of hope.' Yabuki continued. The interview also reveals that this took place 'around 2020,' when Nintendo developers had 'an idea of the next system [Switch 2]'s expected specs' but hadn't yet received working development units. Consequently, the Mario Kart World team pressed on using those estimated Switch 2 capabilities. 'If we had included everything we wanted to in this game's vast world, then it wouldn't have run at 60 fps and would have suffered from constant framerate drops. I think there were a lot of people on the team who were worried about whether we could really manage it. But once we decided to release this game on Switch 2, we expected our worries to evaporate all at once. I remember being overjoyed when I discovered we could express even more than we'd originally set out to,' Sato added.
Hype Malaysia
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Hype Malaysia
Not-So-Stealth Luxury: Deluxe New Drops From H. Moser x Cie. & Richard Mille
When it comes to the world of watches, there's luxurious, and then there's downright divine. From low-key releases for a select few, to spotlight-stealing crown jewels – you'll find that the extravagant watches highlighted here aren't just accessories, but otherworldly creations meant to take your outfit to the next level. H. Moser & Cie.'s Streamliner Skeleton Rainbow H. Moser & Cie. are back to unleash another colourful creation that's sure to make even a rainbow blush. Introducing the Streamliner Tourbillon Skeleton Rainbow! Precious stones are not typically used by Moser in their watches. This new model, however, shows a conscious decision to highlight the movement's beauty, balance, and even overall minimalism through the use of brilliance. As a result, the watch successfully combines watchmaking skills with jewellery artistry. Featuring steel or 5N red gold, this timepiece has 60 vividly-coloured baguette-cut sapphires. The stones are subtly positioned in the centre of the case in a dual gradient; one gradient mimics the rainbow's colours, while the other highlights the Streamliner 40mm cushion-shaped case. The fully-skeletonised HMC 814 movement, which is fully visible through the watch's face, is also aesthetically enhanced by the gemstones. The Streamliner Tourbillon Skeleton Rainbow is available for enquiries now. You can also reserve a unit for yourself for CHF159,000 (~RM814,703) at H. Moser & Cie.'s official website. Richard Mille's RM72-01 'Charles Leclerc' Edition Charles Leclerc, a Ferrari F1 driver and long-time brand ambassador, helped Richard Mille discreetly unveil their newest limited-edition watch. Inspired by the Monégasque driver's signature colours and racing heritage, the brand's automatic flyback chronograph has been boldly reinterpreted in the new RM72-01 'Charles Leclerc.' Honouring the Monegasque flag, the watch is finished in white Quartz TPT with eye-catching red stripes. The red-and-white motif is maintained by a skeletonised dial that highlights chronograph counters with racing influences while removing hour numerals. The date window is framed in red and white, and the black crown mimics the twisting motion of a high-torque Formula One tyre. The watch, which is powered by the CRMC-1 calibre, has a 50-hour power reserve, a function selector, and a flyback chronograph with 30-minute and 24-hour counters. With a platinum rotor and ceramic bearings for high-efficiency winding, it operates at 28,800 vph. Although the release was just confirmed, Leclerc has been wearing the 38.4mm x 47.34mm watch for weeks. The RM72-01 'Charles Leclerc,' which is limited to just 150 pieces and costs US$330,000 (~RM1,407,777), is reportedly already being delivered to a few chosen clients. You can visit Richard Mille's official website for more details.
